FEVER RELATED DEATHS IN DARJEELING – Is the Government Sleeping?

Fever related deaths have been reported from across the Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Siliguri region in the past few weeks, all following a similar pattern. A short illness, intense fever, and no recovery. Families have lost loved ones within days of the first symptoms appearing.

We reached out to the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), Darjeeling, to understand what is happening. He told us this is a normal seasonal flu type fever, nothing unusual for this time of year. When we asked whether the Department had conducted any autopsy to determine the exact virus or cause behind these deaths, he did not answer. We also asked if the Health Department has tracked these fever related deaths and how many have died due to similar symptoms, he did not answer that as well.

However, the CMOH said that such outbreaks are common with changing weather, and that the infection is not widespread, only confined to specific clusters. He claimed that the health department is monitoring the spread and taking samples from Matigara and Mirik, which showed no spike in cases. However, he did not provide us any documentary proof of his claim. Also this does not match what we are seeing on the ground. Deaths have been reported from different parts of the Darjeeling-Kalimpong region, not from one single cluster.

In Ghoom, a young man named Karma, only 37 years old, complained of fever. By the time he reached the hospital, he was already in critical condition, and could not be saved. In Lebong, Meena Sharma, a pioneering woman footballer who had represented the country internationally in the 1970s and 80s, died of similar fever. These are only two of the cases we are sharing here, due to paucity of space. However, many more such deaths have been reported across the hills, and in none of these cases has the health department conducted a postmortem to identify the actual virus responsible.

The Gag Order

We also note that government employees, including doctors and officers under the West Bengal Health Department, are bound by a circular issued by the Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, dated 19th May 2026, that places strict restrictions on any government employee sharing information with the press or speaking publicly about matters that could be seen as critical of government policy.

This may explain why officials on the ground are cautious about speaking openly, even when the public urgently needs information. But a circular meant to manage press relations should not come in the way of public health communication during a possible outbreak.

IMA Advisory

On 26th August, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) issued a public health advisory on Seasonal Influenza A (H1N1), also known as Swine Flu. The advisory notes that India is witnessing a seasonal surge in H1N1 cases during the monsoon period, with over 1,770 laboratory confirmed cases in Delhi alone, along with cases in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.

It lists the common symptoms as high grade fever with chills, persistent dry cough and sore throat, severe muscle aches, headache, a runny or congested nose, and in some cases nausea, vomiting or loose stools.

It also lists warning signs that call for immediate emergency care, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, bluish discolouration of lips or fingers, coughing up blood, confusion or seizures, and persistent vomiting.

Given the pattern of these deaths, sudden high fever, severe muscle aches, rapid deterioration, and no recovery, this raises an important question. Could Swine Flu be behind what we are seeing in Darjeeling? The IMA advisory is clear that most H1N1 infections are mild and treatable, and that there is no cause for panic. But that reassurance depends on cases being tracked, tested and confirmed, which is exactly what does not appear to be happening here.

We appeal to the Ministry of Health, Government of India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the West Bengal Health Department to step in with greater monitoring of this situation. We ask that post mortems be conducted to identify the actual cause of these deaths, and that a clear advisory on preventive steps, including the warning signs that need emergency care, be issued directly to the general public, not just to hospitals and frontline workers.

Lives are being lost, and the people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri have a right to know what they are up against. We do not have the answer. But the people of this region deserve to know. They deserve a health department that investigates rather than reassures without evidence.